Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe

Let’s dive into one of my all-time favorite baking projects: a cinnamon swirl loaf that’s basically a hug in bread form.

The scent of cinnamon pervades my kitchen when I bake Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread. The bread has a comforting quantity of the spice, and what I love most about it, besides devouring it, is how easy it is to make and to alter.

Basically, simmering the bread’s components in melted butter creates a type of zesty cooking that leaves me with an effulgent loaf. In Zen mode on a calm day, I can throw this one-bowl recipe together in 10 minutes.

You almost needn’t do the next step, but I highly encourage you to butter and flour a pan before pouring in the batter.

Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe Ingredients

• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic spice flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the bread’s structure; main carbohydrate source.
• Baking powder: Leavening agent, makes bread rise and airy.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness, flavor, and tenderness.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deeper sweetness and moisture.
• Milk: Provides moisture and creates a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with sweet aroma.
• Nuts: Optional crunchy texture and healthy fats.

Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for the swirl)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

How to Make this Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it.

2. In a small mixing bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Set aside.

3. In a big bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt by whisking them together.

4. In a different bowl, combine the melted butter, the egg, the milk, and the vanilla extract. Incorporate thoroughly.

5. The wet ingredients should be added to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

6. Half of the batter should be poured into the loaf pan that has been prepared and then evenly spread.

7. Dust half of the mixture of cinnamon and sugar and the brown sugar across the batter. Add half of the optional nuts, if you’re using them.

8. Using a knife, swirl the sugar mixture into the batter. Pour the rest of the batter on top and spread it evenly. Do the same with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and nuts. Swirl again.

9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Let the bread cool in the pan for nearly 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack for complete cooling before slicing.

Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×5-inch loaf pan
3. Pastry brush (for greasing)
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Small mixing bowl
6. Large mixing bowl
7. Medium mixing bowl
8. Whisk
9. Mixing spoon or spatula
10. Knife (for swirling)
11. Cooling rack
12. Toothpick

FAQ

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?Indeed, using salted butter is acceptable; simply leave out the 1/2 teaspoon of salt the recipe calls for.
• What type of nuts work best for this recipe?Choices like walnuts or pecans work wonderfully, but you may also use your favorite nuts or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
• Is there a substitute for the milk?Any milk substitute that is free from dairy can be used in its place, in equal measure. Examples include almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk.
• Can I prepare this without eggs?Sure, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) in place of the egg.
• How should I store the Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread?Enclose it closely in cling film or place it in a container that cannot be penetrated by air at room temperature for a maximum of 3 days; or keep at a temperature of no more than 39°F (4°C) for up to a week.
• Can I freeze this bread?To prevent freezer burn, always keep bread in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Bread can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, but it’s best to eat it within the first month for optimal flavor and texture. To thaw frozen bread, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw individual slices in the microwave.

Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Granulated sugar: Use instead 1/3 cup of coconut sugar or 1/3 cup of maple syrup (if using syrup, decrease the milk by 1-2 tablespoons).
All-purpose flour: Substitute 2 cups of whole wheat flour for a denser texture and a gluten-free all-purpose blend in the same amount for a gluten-free option.
Milk: Substitute with 1 cup of almond milk or 1 cup of oat milk for a version free of dairy.
Coconut oil (melted) or vegetable oil: Use 1/2 cup of either for a plant-based alternative to unsalted butter in this recipe.
Egg: Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of an egg, if you want an egg-free option.

Pro Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients Before starting, ensure the egg and milk are at room temperature. This helps in creating a smoother batter, which encourages even baking and better texture.

2. Melt Butter Properly When melting the butter, let it cool slightly before mixing with the egg. This prevents the egg from cooking in the warm butter.

3. Do Not Overmix When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough loaf.

4. Cinnamon Swirl Technique To achieve a nice cinnamon swirl, use a knife or skewer and make gentle swirling motions without touching the bottom of the pan, which helps maintain distinct layers.

5. Check Early for Doneness Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the loaf at around 40 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done.